Nike make special demand to Barcelona about iconic no. 10 shirt previously worn by Lionel Messi after Ansu Fati disappointment: Reports

Nike have reportedly urged Barcelona to hand teenage sensation Lamine Yamal the iconic #10 shirt, previously donned by club legend Lionel Messi. They believe the Spaniard is the perfect player to take the legacy of the legendary shirt forward.

As per a report in El Nacional, Nike want Yamal to be given the #10 jersey after Ansu Fati's disappointing performances. They feel Fati, who spent last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, to be given a new number as he has not been a regular feature in the first team.

The club's sporting director, Deco recently spoke about the comparison between Lionel Messi and Yamal. He claimed that the youngster wasn't paying much heed to such comments in the media. He said (via Forbes):

"I don't think comparing him to Leo is a problem for him but a source of pride for [Lamine]. I don't know if it's good or bad, it's up to him. He's growing and I don't see it being a problem."

Yamal has recently insisted that he is not trying to emulate Lionel Messi's success. The Argentine, on his part, has acknowledged the Spaniard's talent and backed him to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

Barcelona calm about Lamine Yamal despite Lionel Messi comparison

Deco recently revealed that Barcelona had received offers for Lamine Yamal, which was natural for a player of his talent. While he did not name the club, some reports claimed Lionel Messi's former side Paris Saint-Germain were interested in signing the youngster.

Deco told Mundo Deportivo:

"It's normal for a player like Lamine or others we have to arouse the interest of clubs, it's normal. We know what the market is like and what the clubs are like. Lamine is very young but very mature for his age. I imagine and see that he is happy to be here. Having everything he has at Barca ahead of him, I would dare to say that it is very difficult [for him] to change to another club. And it's not because I'm a Barca fan or because I'm the club's sporting director."

He added:

"A player that Barca has and who can have a spectacular history at the club ... I don't think he would change it for another. We are very happy with Lamine, he has to be valued like the others and he must build his story. We are calm, there is no concern in this sense but the club has to do what it has to do. There is nothing else. Even if you have contracts and clauses, the most important thing is that the players feel happy and comfortable and are eager to make history at the club, it is the most important thing."

Lamine Yamal has scored five goals and assisted seven times in 12 LaLiga matches this season. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to the MLS Supporters' Shield title, but could not take them past the Round One in MLS Cup playoffs.